LONDON: Tributes were paid on Saturday to a six-year-old British-Palestinian girl who died in hospital days after her parents and sister perished in an accident at a beach in southern England.
Saja Al-Khawas was pulled from the water in Shoreham on Tuesday along with the three other members of her family.
Her father Hassan, mother Zeina Alayn, and 14-year-old sister Sara all died at the scene. Saja was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
Police said late on Friday that she had sadly died despite the best efforts of emergency and hospital staff.
“This heartbreaking update is one we all feared in the aftermath of Tuesday’s tragic events,” Chief Superintendent James Collis said.
“I cannot imagine the devastation felt by the wider family of Hassan, Zeina, Sara and Saja after this loss. On behalf of everyone at Sussex Police, I extend our thoughts and heartfelt condolences.
“The impact of this tragedy has been felt across the country, and I know the Shoreham community, emergency responders and all involved will continue to be affected for a long time to come.
“I would like to thank all of the public who have shared their sympathies and kind words, and once again ask for the victims’ family and loved ones to be left to grieve in privacy.”
Sara Al-Khawas, 14, was pronounced dead, along with her parents, after they were pulled from the water at Shoreham-by-Sea, in southern England. (Supplied)
A community vigil was held on Saturday morning at a beach near where the tragedy took place and a one-minute silence was held in Shoreham town center, the BBC reported.
Tom Rutland, East Worthing and Shoreham MP, said that the whole community had been left heartbroken by Sara’s death.
“We had been hoping and praying for her recovery after she was taken to hospital on Tuesday.
“My thoughts are with her family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
The Palestinian Forum in Britain said that the Khawas family are British citizens of Palestinian origin, with roots in Rashidieh refugee camp in Lebanon.
Police said the family traveled from their home in London on Tuesday to visit Shoreham.
They entered the water from the beach at Shoreham Fort at around 2 p.m. before getting into trouble.
Coast Guard, lifeboats and paramedics were involved in the rescue operation.
After reviewing CCTV footage and witness accounts, police believe their deaths were a tragic accident.
The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls in Ealing, west London, on Thursday paid tribute to Sara, who was one of their Year 8 pupils.
“Sara was a sweet girl, well-liked by staff and students, and she will be greatly missed,” the school said.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the incident as a “terrible family tragedy” and a reminder of the dangers of swimming in open water.
